Product Reviews

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: My Top 5 Beauty Picks

December 7, 2013

Need gifting ideas to pamper friends, family and yourself this Christmas? Check out my following top 5 holiday gift picks that will get you and your loved ones looking more than fab, available at your local ULTA Beauty store!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide

#1 Clarisonic Mia 2 Skin Cleansing System ($150)

Clarisonic Mia 2 Skin Cleansing System in Pacific Sunset


A rechargeable brush that oscillates at a sonic frequency over 300 movements per second, Mia 2 is the perfect tool to exfoliate, get all the gunk out from pores, prime skin to better absorb serums and treatments and give you better, clearer skin!

Unlike the Mia I had been using and loving for years, Mia 2 comes with 2 different speeds and is even better for my super thin, sensitive skin. The low speed comes on automatically when you power on the device and to get to the normal speed (the same speed you get with the Mia), you have to press the button once. Another major upgrade is the 1-Minute Pulsing T-Timer, which pauses momentarily to let users know when it is time to move to another part of your face per Clarisonic’s recommendation – 20 seconds on the forehead, 20 seconds on the nose/chin, and 10 seconds on each cheek.

The system also comes with a trial-size cleanser, universal voltage pLink charger, sensitive brush head and plastic protective travel case in a matching color (not included with the original Mia). It can be used on all skin types and is waterproof for use in the shower or bathtub as well.

#2 Urban Decay Vice 2 Eyeshadow Palette ($59)


Urban Decay Vice 2 Eyeshadow Palette


With all the parties and celebration going on, every girl needs a little something something to make her eyes sparkle and my number 1 pick is none but the limited-edition and highly coveted Urban Decay Vice 2 Eyeshadow Palette!

Housed in the cutest purple compact with an orchid design and a white UD logo in the center, the Vice 2 Palette opens with the touch of a button to reveal a huge mirror, 20 shadows that range from wearable neutrals to party-perfect brights and glitters, along with a full-sized, double-ended Good Karma Shadow and Crease Brush for application.

The shadows are nicely pigmented and stay on really well even without a primer underneath. A few of my favorite shades to wear for the day are Dope, Radar and Rewind. To glam things up, I love pairing Prank with Strike, or Shellshock with Damaged.

#3 Benefit Cosmetics Love At First Shine Gloss Set ($26)

benefit-love-at-first-shine-lip-gloss-set-review
Benefit Cosmetics Love At First Shine Gloss Set


More of a lip color kind of girl? You will love the Benefit Cosmetics Love At First Shine Gloss Set! Featuring 6 of the new, super cute Ultra Plush Lip Gloss that launched in Spring 2013, the set comes with delicious colors that range from berry, pink, coral, purple to clear that will work for different looks. Not to mention the uber smooth and silky formula will keep your lips moisturized and mistletoe-ready in no time.

#4 butter LONDON Double Take Fire 2 Piece Set ($24)

butter LONDON Double Take Fire 2 Piece Set
butter LONDON Rebel Fox and Brass Monkey Nail Polishes


You can never go wrong with red and gold for the Holidays and butter LONDON Double Take Fire Nail Polish Duo comes with Rebel Fox (a dark burgundy with slight gold shimmer) and Brass Monkey (a clear top coat with flecks of gold) that you can wear multiple ways for a truly festive look. The polishes are also 3-free (no Formaldehyde, Tuluene or DBP) and cruelty-free.

#5 Philosophy Season Of Sparkle Set ($26)

philosophy-white-pear-white-cranberry-white-cherry-shampoo-shower-bubble-bath
Philosophy Season Of Sparkle Set


Don’t forget your hair and body! Philosophy Season Of Sparkle Set comes with 3 generous 180ml bottles that can be used as shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath in yummy flavors of White Pear, White Cranberry and White Cherry. The moisturizing formula gently cleanses and conditions skin and hair while smelling SO good plus it leaves behind a gorgeous subtle shimmer finish!

What are some of YOUR picks? Share!


ULTA Beauty is not just another store for holiday shopping; it’s an exciting wonderland of beauty products that make great gifts, stocking stuffers and personal treats. This year, ULTA is filled with a dazzling variety of holiday treasures that are sure to delight your friends, family, loved ones, and even yourself!

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by ULTA Beauty via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of ULTA Beauty.

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